Martinelli joins Sky as stagiaire for remainder of 2012

Nineteen-year-old Italian Davide Martinelli – son of Astana team manager Giuseppe – will join the British-based Sky squad as stagiaire for the rest of the 2012 season, the team confirmed on Monday.

Martinelli won the Italian junior time trial title last year and will debut with Sky at the Vuelta a Burgos in Spain over August 1-5.

Martinelli knows fellow Italian Sky riders Davide Appollonio and Salvatore Puccio having ridden with them on the same Italian under-23 team.

“I see myself as a rouleur with time trialing as a main strength,” said Martinelli via a Sky team statement. “In June I finished second in the Italian time trial championships in my first year in this category. I have also got quite a good sprint and manage to hold on decently on the climbs.”

“I like cobbled classics a lot,” he continued. “I took part in Paris-Roubaix as a junior and this year I was at the start of the under-23 Tour of Flanders. Those races really excited me and I believe they could suit my characteristics.

“I was often asked to work for a team leader like in last year’s World Championships and I enjoyed that role. I can give my all for the team, but I am not afraid of taking responsibilities when the chance arises.”

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